Imphal, January 05: Apart from the aid announced by the State Government for the victims of tsunami disaster, the people Manipur have today come out to extend their solidarities with the pain and trauma of the victims of the disaster that has already claimed the lives of over 1.5 lakhs across Asia.

Formed with the stated objective of forwarding whatever help it can to the victims, the Committee for Tsunami Disaster Relief today kick started a donation drive from the public to extend monetary help to the victims of the disaster.

The Committee formally started its campaign with a simple function at Dharamshala with noted writer MK Binodini as the chief guest today at 10.30 am.

Chairman of the Committee W Shymjai presided while noted film maker A Syam Sharma was the guest of honour.

The disaster was triggered off by an earthquake with its epicentre at Indonesia's Sumatra and the resultant tsunami (tidal waves) that hit the coastal belts of Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia and Andaman and Nicobar Islands has already claimed over 1.5 lakh victims.

The disaster occurred on December 26.Indonesia bore the brunt of the disaster accounting for over 1 lakh victims.

Many are still reported missing.

Apart from the massive loss of lives, properties worth crores of rupees have been destroyed and thousands have been rendered homeless.

The Committee was formed to extend whatever help the people of Manipur can to the victims of the disaster.

On the first day itself, many people from different walks of life and community and professions voluntarily turned up to donate whatever they can to the relief fund.

The collection for the day was Rs 5,262.Out of this, Rs 1774 was donated by TIPS and Epathoukok, from the proceeds it collected during the recent photo exhibition which show cased the gross human rights violation in the State.

Imphal Automobile, Kwakeithel chipped in with Rs 500.The Committee will open a bank account tomorrow and the proceeds from the campaign will be sent to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

Process has also been taken up to exempt the collection from income tax.